Systems and methods of flexibly activating temporary attended delivery/pickup locations

ABSTRACT

A system and method for activating temporary attended delivery/pickup locations is described. The system receives a desired area for a temporary attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., near a event). The system then receives location information associated with one or more inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup locations. The system, in various embodiments, determines that at least one inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location is in and/or near the desired area. The system then, in a particular embodiment, notifies a user that the inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location is in and/or near the desired area. In various embodiments, the system receives a request to activate the temporary attended delivery/pickup location and, at least partially in response to receiving the request, activates the at least one inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/791,008, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled, “Systems and Methods of Delivering Parcels Using Attended Delivery Locations,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/777,968, filed Mar. 12, 2013, entitled “Systems and Methods of Delivering Parcels Using Attended Delivery Locations,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

An increase in Internet commerce has led to an increase in the number of parcels delivered to alternate delivery/pickup locations (e.g., delivery/pickup locations other than homes or workplaces). However, not every location that can operate as an alternate delivery/pickup location should be designated as an alternate delivery/pickup location to accept parcels at all times.

Various embodiments of the present systems and methods recognize and address the foregoing considerations, and others, of prior art systems and methods.

SUMMARY

In general, in various embodiments, a computer system is configured for: 1) receiving desired area information, where the desired area information includes information associated with a particular area where at least one temporary attended delivery/pickup location is desired; 2) receiving information associated with a temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, where the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location includes: a) a geographic location associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; and b) an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is inactive; 3) determining that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the particular area based at least in part on the geographic location associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; 4) transmitting a notification to a client device, where the notification includes: a) an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the desired area; and b) an indication that the particular delivery/pickup location is inactive; 5) at least partially in response to transmitting the notification to the client device, receiving a request to activate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; and 6) at least partially in response to receiving the request to activate the at least one attended delivery/pickup location, facilitating activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. According to particular embodiments, the computer system is further configured for facilitating deactivation of the at least one delivery/pickup location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of a system and method for delivering parcels to attended delivery/pickup locations are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a logistics system in accordance with an embodiment of the present system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a computer, such as the logistics server of FIG. 1, that is suitable for use in various embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart that generally illustrates various steps executed by a parcel delivery module that, for example, may be executed by the logistics server of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart that generally illustrates various steps executed by a user-based location activation module that, for example, may be executed by the logistics server of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart that generally illustrates various steps executed by an area-based location activation module that, for example, may be executed by the logistics server of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a transportation diagram depicting exemplary transportation paths that may be taken by parcels that are delivered to attended delivery/pickup locations according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Overview

Logistics networks, according to various embodiments, use attended pickup and delivery locations to facilitate: (1) the convenient delivery of parcels and other items to individuals; and/or (2) the convenient pickup of parcels and other items from individuals who wish to send those items to others via a common carrier. In various embodiments, existing retail businesses may be used as suitable delivery/pickup locations. For example, a gas station, a convenience store, a flower shop, a magazine stand, a retail location associated with a common carrier, a kiosk at a mall, or a retail department store may enter into an agreement with a common carrier to accept deliveries of parcels (and/or other items) that are to be picked up later, at a convenient time, by the intended recipient of the parcels or other items. The retail location may also agree to serve as a drop-off point for parcels and/or other items that are to be delivered to another location by the carrier.

In certain embodiments, each attended delivery/pickup location is manned for at least some time during the week and is equipped with a computer system that is adapted to communicate both with: (1) one or more computer systems associated with the common carrier; (2) one or more computing devices associated with the sender of the parcel; and (3) one or more computing devices associated with the recipient of the parcel. An example of a suitable computer system is shown in FIG. 1 and is described in greater technical detail at the end of this document.

In particular embodiments, a computer at the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., an “attended delivery/pickup location computer”) is adapted to send suitable messages regarding the status of parcels handled by the attended delivery/pickup location. For example, when the attended delivery/pickup location receives a parcel, the attended delivery/pickup location computer may automatically transmit an e-mail, text, or other message to: (1) the common carrier's computer system; (2) the recipient's computing device; and/or (3) the sender's computing device indicating that the parcel has been received by the attended delivery/pickup location and is ready to be picked up by the recipient. The message may also include other suitable information, such as the name and location of the attended delivery/pickup location, the days and hours of operation of the attended delivery/pickup location, and the deadline by which the individual must retrieve the parcel before, for example: (1) the item is returned to the sender; or (2) the recipient is charged for late pickup of the item.

The attended delivery/pickup location may also automatically transmit an e-mail, text, or other message to: (1) the common carrier's computer system; (2) the recipient's computing device; (3) the sender's computing device; and/or (4) any other suitable computer in response to any suitable event including, for example: (1) the parcel being picked up by the individual; (2) the parcel being returned to the carrier after a time period for retrieving the parcel has passed; (3) the parcel being transferred to another attended delivery/pickup location; or (4) any other suitable event.

In various embodiments, the system may be configured to facilitate the delivery of parcels directly to attended delivery/pickup locations from, for example, e-commerce retailers from which users may order items for delivery. For example, the system may be configured to allow a user making purchases of items via the Internet to have those items delivered directly to attended delivery/pickup locations. In such embodiments, as well as in other embodiments, the system may be configured to present users with a selection of attended delivery/pickup locations for items that the user orders.

In particular embodiments, the system may be configured to present users with attended delivery/pickup location options based at least in part on any of the following: (1) a location of the user's home; (2) a location of the user's place of work; (3) any location specified by the user (e.g., such as a location that the user frequently visits); and/or (4) any other suitable metric for determining an appropriate selection of attended delivery/pickup locations to present to the user. In various embodiments, the system may be configured to provide a selection of attended delivery/pickup locations that are: (1) within a particular distance of any of the locations described above; (2) open (e.g., are available for picking up parcels) at a time convenient to the user; (3) have certain hours of operation; and/or (4) any other factor that may be beneficial to the user or common carrier in dropping off or picking up parcels from attended delivery/pickup locations.

In various embodiments, the system is configured to confirm whether an attended delivery/pickup location has capacity to accept a parcel before directing (e.g., or redirecting) a parcel to the attended delivery/pickup location or before presenting the alternate location as a potential delivery/pickup location to a customer. This may include, for example, ensuring that there is enough physical space at the attended delivery/pickup location to accept the parcel or suitable systems in place at the attended delivery/pickup location to accommodate any special handling instructions that the parcel containing the item may have (e.g., a requirement to store the parcel at a particular temperature). In such embodiments, the system may be further configured to substantially automatically (e.g., automatically) reserve space at the attended delivery/pickup location for the parcel to ensure that the attended delivery/pickup location will not lose capacity to accept the parcel before the parcel arrives.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate activating temporary attended delivery/pickup locations by, for example: 1) receiving information associated with a desired area where at least one temporary attended delivery/pickup location is desired; 2) receiving information associated with inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup locations; 3) based at least in part on the received information, determining that a particular inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location is in the desired area; 4) transmitting a notification indicating that the particular inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location is in the area; 5) receiving a request to activate the particular inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location; and 6) facilitating activating the particular inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, a user of the system may wish to activate an temporary attended delivery/pickup location for a limited amount of time, such as for an event (e.g., a concert). In such embodiments, the system determines whether there is at least one inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location near the event and facilitates activating the at least one temporary attended delivery/pickup location near the event location.

To determine whether there is at least one inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location near the event, the system, in various embodiments, receives information associated with inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup locations, which includes location information (e.g., one or more indications of where the inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup locations are located). In various embodiments, at least partially based on this received location information, the system determines that there is at least one inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location in the desired area (e.g., at least one inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location in an area near a concert venue).

To facilitate activation of the at least one temporary attended delivery/pickup location near the event, the system, in various embodiments, transmits a notification indicating that the at least one inactive temporary attended delivery/pickup location is in (or near) the desired area near the event (e.g., to the user who requested an temporary attended delivery/pickup location near the event). In various embodiments, the system may receive a request for the inactive delivery/pickup location to be activated and the system, in response, may facilitate activating the particular inactive delivery/pickup location.

The use of such attended delivery/pickup locations may have a variety of different advantages. First, in certain situations, the recipient of a parcel may not typically be home when parcels are commonly delivered. In such situations, it may be useful to have the parcels delivered to an attended location where an individual is available to accept and/or sign for a particular parcel and maintain the parcel in a safe location until the recipient is available to pick up the parcel. As another example, an individual may prefer to have personal deliveries made close to, but not to, their workplace so that they can retrieve the parcels when they are at work. Shipping items directly to attended delivery/pickup locations may also provide a cost savings to common carriers and other shipping and/or logistics companies by avoiding the need to deliver parcels and other items to the home addresses of individual parcel recipients. Rather, the common carriers can deliver parcels to several attended delivery/pickup locations that service a particular area where parcel recipients can go to collect their parcels.

Various additional implementations of attended delivery/pickup locations are described below, after a brief discussion of exemplary technical platforms and computer system architecture that may be used, for example, in implementing various aspects of this concept.

Exemplary Technical Platforms

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant field, the present invention may be, for example, embodied as a computer system, a method, or a computer program product. Accordingly, various embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, particular embodiments may take the form of a computer program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) embodied in the storage medium. Various embodiments may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including, for example, hard disks, compact disks, DVDs, optical storage devices, and/or magnetic storage devices.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatuses (e.g., systems), and computer program products. It should be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by a computer executing computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that is configured for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of mechanisms for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instructions for performing the specified functions. It should also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and other hardware executing appropriate computer instructions.

Example System Architecture

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a System 110 according to a particular embodiment. As may be understood from this figure, the System 110 includes one or more Computer Networks 115, a Logistics Server 100, a Database 140, and one or more Computing Devices such as a Remote Computing Device 152 (e.g., such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable computing device, a laptop computer, etc.) and/or a Desktop Computer 154. In particular embodiments, the one or more Computer Networks 115 facilitate communication between the Logistics Server 100, Database 140, and one or more Computing Devices 152, 154.

The one or more Computer Networks 115 may include any of a variety of types of wired or wireless computer networks such as the Internet, a private intranet, a mesh network, a public switch telephone network (PSTN), or any other type of network (e.g., a network that uses Bluetooth or near field communications to facilitate communication between computers). The communication link between the Logistics Server 100 and the Database 140 may be, for example, implemented via a Local Area Network (LAN) or via the Internet.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic representation, in various embodiments, of the architecture of the Computer 120 that can be used within the System 110, for example, as a client computer (e.g., one of Client Computers 152, 154 shown in FIG. 1), or as a server computer (e.g., Logistics Server 100 shown in FIG. 1). In particular embodiments, the architecture of the Computer 120 may be suitable for use as a computer within the context of the System 110 that is configured to facilitate the delivery of parcels to attended delivery/pickup locations or facilitate the receipt and/or processing of parcels once they are delivered to the attended delivery/pickup locations.

In particular embodiments, the Computer 120 may be connected (e.g., networked) to other computers in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and/or the Internet. As noted above, the Computer 120 may operate in the capacity of a server, a client computer in a client-server network environment, and/or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The Computer 120 may be a desktop personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or bridge, or any other computer capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that computer. Further, while only a single computer is illustrated, the term “computer” shall also be taken to include any collection of computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

An exemplary Computer 120 includes a Processor 202, a Main Memory 204 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), a Static Memory 206 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a Data Storage Device 218, which communicate with each other via a Bus 232.

The Processor 202 represents one or more general-purpose processors such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the Processor 202 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The Processor 202 may also be one or more special-purpose processors such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or the like. The Processor 202 may be configured to execute Processing Logic 226 for performing various operations and steps discussed herein.

The Computer 120 may further include a Network Interface Device 208. The Computer 120 also may include a Video Display Unit 210 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an Alphanumeric Input Device 212 (e.g., a keyboard), a Cursor Control Device 214 (e.g., a mouse), and a Signal Generation Device 216 (e.g., a speaker).

The Data Storage Device 218 may include a Machine-Accessible Storage Medium 230 (also known as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., Software 222) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The Software 222 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the Main Memory 204 and/or within the Processor 202 during execution thereof by the Computer 120—the Main Memory 204 and the Processor 202 also constituting computer-accessible storage media. The Software 222 may further be transmitted or received over a Network 115 via a Network Interface Device 208.

The Software 222 may represent any number of program modules, including, but not limited to an operating system (not shown), a Parcel Delivery Module 300, an Area-Based Location Activation Module 400, and a User-Based Location Activation Module 500. For simplicity and brevity, these modules are merely exemplary and may represent a number of program modules that control certain aspects of the operation of the Computer 120. The Parcel Delivery Module 300, Area-Based Location Activation Module 400, and User-Based Location Activation Module 500 are described in more detail below.

While the Machine-Accessible Storage Medium 230 is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-accessible storage medium” should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-accessible storage medium” should also be understood to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the computer and that cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “computer-accessible storage medium” should accordingly be understood to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, etc.

Exemplary System Platform

Various embodiments of a system for delivering parcels to attended delivery/pickup locations may be implemented within the context of any suitable logistics service. For example, particular embodiments may be implemented within the context of any suitable logistics service offered by United Parcel Service, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. Various aspects of the system's functionality may be executed by certain system modules, including a Parcel Delivery Module 300. This module is discussed in greater detail below.

Parcel Delivery Module

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of operations performed by an exemplary Parcel Delivery Module 300. In particular embodiments, the Parcel Delivery Module 300 may facilitate the delivery of parcels to an attended delivery/pickup location.

When executing the Parcel Delivery Module 300, the system begins, at Step 310, by displaying one or more attended delivery/pickup locations to a user. In various embodiments, these attended delivery/pickup locations include retail stores (e.g., including gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies), stand-alone kiosks, or any other suitable locations for receiving and holding parcels for pick up by recipients. In particular embodiments, attended delivery/pickup locations include attended delivery/pickup locations, but they may also include unattended delivery/pickup locations. In some embodiments, attended delivery/pickup locations may include locations (e.g., retail locations) other than the intended parcel recipient's home or business.

In various embodiments, the system may configured to determine and display available attended delivery/pickup locations based on any suitable criteria. For example, the system may be adapted to: (1) allow a user to request that the system display all attended delivery/pickup locations within a predetermined radius of the user; and (2) in response to the request, displaying all attended delivery/pickup locations within the predetermined radius of the user. In another embodiment, the system may be adapted to: (1) determine a location that a user is frequently located (e.g., the user's home or workplace); and (2) displaying all attended delivery/pickup locations within the predetermined radius of the location.

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow a vendor or other entity to open one or more attended delivery/pickup locations for a particular customer or event. In other embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow a vendor (e.g., a particular retailer) to select a subgroup of a group of available attended delivery/pickup locations that the vendor's products may be delivered to, and/or to exclude a subgroup of available delivery/pickup locations for delivery of the vendor's products. This feature may be particularly desirable for vendors who have a certain brand image that is inconsistent with the image of certain attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., a high-end jewelry retailer may not wish to have their products picked up at a gas station, but may be happy to have their products picked up at a high-end department store).

The system continues, at Step 320, by receiving a request from the user to deliver a parcel to a particular one of the one or more attended delivery/pickup locations (which may, for example, have no formal relationship to the user). In particular embodiments, the request may come from the user after the user reviews a plurality of available attended delivery/pickup locations (see Step 310, above) as part of a checkout process when the user purchases an item from an online retail store.

The system continues, at Step 330, by facilitating the delivery of the parcel from an origin location to the attended delivery/pickup location. The origin location may include a home of the parcel sender, a warehouse associated with an online retailer, a retail store, or any other suitable location. In various embodiments, the system may facilitate the delivery of the parcel via any suitable common carrier or other logistics provider, etc.

In various embodiments, a system for delivering parcels to attended delivery/pickup locations may comprise features in addition to the system described above. These additional features are described more fully below.

A. Use of Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations within Brick-and-Mortar Stores

In various embodiments, an attended delivery/pickup location may be provided within a brick-and-mortar store, such as a department store, and used to facilitate the provision of adequate inventory to the store. The attended delivery/pickup location may be staffed by a third party (e.g., by an entity other than the brick-and-mortar store), or by the brick-and-mortar store itself.

In a particular embodiment, a separate attended delivery/pickup location is provided in each individual store within a network of department stores (or within a network of otherwise unaffiliated department stores or other stores). In various embodiments, the attended delivery/pickup locations are used to facilitate the transfer of items between the stores (or the purchase of one or more items from the inventory of another, unrelated store). In a particular example, a customer may visit a first department store location within a network of department stores (e.g., a brick and mortar “ABC Shoes” location in Marietta, Ga.), try on a particular pair of shoes in size 10.5, and determine that they actually need a size 11 in the shoes. If the Marietta location of ABC Shoes does not have the shoes in size 11, employees of the store may search nearby ABC Shoes locations (and/or the inventory of other shoe stores) to determine whether a nearby store has the shoes in size 11. Upon determining that another store has the shoes in the desired size, an employee of the Marietta store may use their computer to issue a request to the identified store (e.g. an ABC Shoes store in Alpharetta, Ga., or an XYZ store in Macon, Ga.) to send a pair of appropriate size 11 shoes to the Marietta ABC Shoes location.

In response to receiving the request, an employee at the Alpharetta ABC Shoes location may bring a box containing a size 11 pair of the shoes to an attended delivery/pickup location within the Alpharetta ABC Shoes. Representatives of the attended delivery/pickup location then facilitate the delivery of the shoes from the Alpharetta ABC Shoes store to the Marietta ABC Shoes store. In particular embodiments, this may reduce the overall cost of transporting the shoes from the first retail location to the second retail location because the carrier that services the attended delivery/pickup locations within the first and second retail locations may deliver items in bulk from the first location to the second location on a regular basis. The items may be, for example, transported together in a single container and/or transported directly from the first retail location to the second location, which may serve to reduce the per-item costs associated with transporting the items.

In various embodiments, when a particular item sought by a customer shopping at a particular retail store is unavailable (e.g., such as the shoes in size 11 in the example described above), the customer may request to have the item sent to an attended delivery/pickup location other than the attended delivery/pickup location at the particular retail store. In the size 11 shoe example above, the customer would be able to request to have the shoes sent to an attended delivery/pickup location other than the attended delivery/pickup location at the ABC Shoes in Marietta. The user may, for example, request to have the shoes delivered to an attended delivery/pickup location that is convenient to the user (e.g., such as an attended delivery/pickup location located near the customer's home or office).

In-store attended delivery/pickup locations may also be used in restocking the store's inventory from one or more warehouses (or other stores in the store's network of stores, which may include stores that are otherwise unrelated to the store). In particular embodiments, a carrier associated with the attended delivery/pickup locations coordinates regular shipments (e.g., bulk shipments) from each particular warehouse to each particular department store location. In various embodiments, new inventory is received at the store by workers who are associated with the attended delivery/pickup locations. The workers then coordinate the transfer of the items to store employees for stocking.

In various embodiments, in-store attended delivery/pickup locations may also be used to facilitate the return of items purchased from a retail web site that is: (1) associated with the department store in which the attended delivery/pickup location is located; and/or (2) not associated with the department store in which the attended/delivery/pickup location is located. For example, in a particular embodiment, an in-store attended delivery/pickup location within a particular BIG DEALS department store may be set up to accept returns of items purchased from www.Big Deals.com. In such cases, if a user purchases an item from www.Big Deals.com and wishes to return it, they may simply bring the item to the in-store attended delivery/pickup location within their local Big Deals department store and receive a refund for the item. In particular embodiments, there is no shipping charge (or other charge) associated with returning the item.

As another example, an in-store attended delivery/pickup location within a particular “Big Deals” department store may be set up to accept returns of items purchased from a retail web site that is unrelated to Big Deals. For example, the in-store attended delivery/pickup location may be set up to accept returns of items purchased from a retail web site called www.bestbargain.com. In a particular embodiment, if the user purchases an item from www.bestbargain.com and wishes to return it, they may bring the item to the in-store attended delivery/pickup location within their local Big Deals department store and receive a refund for the item. In particular embodiments, there is no shipping charge (or other charge) associated with returning the item.

In various other embodiments, the attended delivery/pickup location, the logistics company shipping the returned item, and/or the retail web site to which an item is being returned may charge the customer for returning the item. In particular embodiments, the return charge may be shared among one or more of: (1) the attended delivery/pickup location; (2) the logistics company shipping the returned item; (3) and/or the retail web site to which the item is being returned. In other embodiments, the return charge less the cost of shipping the item back to the retail website is shared rather than the full return charge. In other embodiments, the return charge may be shared among one or more of the attended delivery/pickup location, the logistics company shipping the returned item, and/or the retail web site to which an item the being returned in disproportionate quantities (e.g., 50% to the logistics company, 25% to the retail website, and 25% to the attended delivery/pickup location).

In particular embodiments, an in-store, attended delivery/pickup location within a particular brick-and-mortar store may be set up to: (1) receive items purchased at the store from users; and (2) ship the items to a location designated by the user (e.g., to the user's residential or business address, or to the address of another individual). In particular embodiments, the individual may: (1) not be charged for shipping the item; (2) be charged a discounted fee for shipping the item; or (3) may be charged the full fee for shipping the item. In various embodiments, the charge associated with shipping the item may depend upon the cost of the items (e.g., the customer may receive free or discounted shipping of purchases above a pre-determined threshold cost). In other embodiments, individuals who are members of a particular shipping subscription service may receive free or discounted shipping of items purchased at the retail location.

B. Customization of Networks of Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations

In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow users to define their own network of attended delivery/pickup locations. For example, a central logistics computer system (which a user may, for example, access via the Internet) may be configured to display respective graphical representations of a plurality of attended delivery/pickup locations on a map of an area associated with a particular user (e.g., a map of an area in which the user's home or business is located). The system may allow the user to select one or more attended delivery/pickup locations displayed by the graphical user interface as the default delivery/pickup locations to which any parcels to be delivered to the user by a particular logistics provider are to be delivered. For example, the user may select: (1) a first of the attended delivery/pickup locations as a primary attended delivery/pickup location that the logistics provider should deliver any of the user's parcels to, if the attended delivery/pickup location is available; and (2) one or more alternative attended delivery/pickup locations that the logistics provider should deliver any of the user's parcels to, if the primary attended delivery/pickup location is unavailable.

In various embodiments, if a particular delivery/pickup location becomes unavailable to accept deliveries during a particular period of time (e.g., the delivery/pickup location becomes full, or temporarily or permanently closes), the system may modify the graphical representation of the particular delivery/pickup location to indicate its unavailability. For example, the system may display one or more portions of the graphical representation of the particular delivery/pickup location in gray rather than black to indicate its current unavailability to accept packages.

C. Economic Models Associated with Holding Items for Pickup

In particular embodiments, the system may be configured for, in response to a parcel being delivered to a particular delivery/pickup location, generating an e-mail to the recipient of the parcel indicating a deadline by which the recipient must retrieve the parcel from the delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the system saves this deadline to memory and, in response to the deadline passing without the system receiving an indication that the parcel has been picked up from the delivery/pickup location by the deadline, the system facilitates the return of the parcel from the delivery/pickup location to the parcel's sender. In various embodiments, the system facilitates the parcel's return by transmitting a message to an appropriate logistics server instructing a logistics provider to pick the parcel up from the delivery/pickup location and return the parcel to the parcel's sender.

In order to encourage customers to retrieve parcels before the stated deadline, the system may be adapted to provide one or more financial incentives for the parcel recipient retrieving the parcel by an early pickup deadline that is before the stated normal parcel pickup deadline. For example, the system may be adapted to provide the customer with a free or discounted future logistics service (or other financial incentive) in response to the user retrieving their parcel more than a day before the stated normal parcel pickup deadline. Similarly, the system may be adapted to allow users to extend the deadline by, for example, paying a fee to extend the deadline.

D. Method of Allowing Individuals to Coordinate Delivery of an Item to an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location Via a Non-Participating Website

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow a user to facilitate the delivery of an item ordered on a retail website to a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In a particular embodiment, the system first provides the user with an address associated with a particular logistics provider, as well as a code (e.g., a unique code) associated with the user. When the user completes an order of an item on a retail website, the user enters the logistics-provider-designated address in the delivery address field on the retail website, along with the code associated with the user.

As a result, when the retailer sends the item to the user in a parcel, the retailer attaches a shipping label to the parcel that includes the logistics-provider-designated address and user code. The parcel is then shipped to the logistics-provider-designated address by any suitable logistics provider (which may or may not be the particular logistics provider referenced above). Once the particular logistics provider receives the parcel at the logistics-provider-designated address, the particular logistics provider reads the user code and uses the user code to retrieve delivery information associated with the user from a data store, such as a database. The delivery information may include, for example, the user's name, contact information (e.g., e-mail address, cell phone number, etc. . . . ), and the address of the user's preferred attended delivery/pickup location.

The logistics provider may then: (1) facilitate the delivery of the parcel to the user's preferred attended delivery/pickup location (or other suitable attended delivery/pickup location); and (2) use the user's contact information to contact the user and inform them that the parcel will be delivered to the attended delivery/pickup location and provide them with instructions for retrieving the parcel. In a particular embodiment, the logistics provider may facilitate the delivery of the parcel to the user's preferred attended delivery/pickup location by relabeling the parcel with the user's name and address of the attended delivery/pickup location.

In alternative embodiments, the system may be adapted so that when the user completes an order of an item on the retail website, the user simply enters a code associated with the user and selects a particular logistics provider to handle delivery of the item to the user. In various embodiments, the logistics provider uses the code to retrieve user and delivery information in the manner described above. The logistics provider then uses the user and delivery information to facilitate delivery of the item to the user.

E. Systems for Facilitating Proper Handling of Parcels at an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to remind individuals at each attended delivery/pickup location to enter information associated with parcels into the system as the parcels arrive at the attended delivery/pickup location. For example, the system may be adapted to display a reminder message at predetermined times during each work day that reminds users to use a bar code scanner associated with the system to scan the labels of any parcels that arrive at the attended delivery/pickup location. In other embodiments, the system may be adapted to display such reminders around times that parcels are scheduled to arrive at the attended delivery/pickup location. This may help to assure that information regarding each parcel is promptly entered into the system.

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted for receiving information regarding the scheduled closure of each attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., holiday closures or permanent closures). The system may further be configured for: (1) communicating this information to users; (2) facilitating the rerouting of any parcels that are scheduled to be delivered to the attended delivery/pickup location while the attended delivery/pickup location is scheduled to be closed; and/or (3) removing the attended delivery/pickup location as an option for receiving deliveries while the attended delivery/pickup location is scheduled to be closed.

The system may also be adapted to employ various techniques for determining that a particular parcel has been delivered to a particular attended delivery/pickup location. For example, the system may be adapted to: (1) receive an indication that a particular parcel has been scanned at drop off; (2) receive data regarding the location at which the parcel was scanned at drop off (e.g., using GPS functionality associated with a handheld device or other electronic device); (3) compare the location with the geolocations of one or more attended delivery/pickup locations; and (4) in response to determining that the location at which the parcel was scanned at least generally corresponds to the geolocation of a particular attended delivery/pickup location, verify that the parcel has been delivered to the particular attended delivery/pickup location; and (5) save an indication to the system's memory indicating that the parcel has been delivered to the particular attended delivery/pickup location. In various embodiments, the system is further adapted to send confirmation (e.g., via e-mail, text message, etc.) to a recipient of the delivery of the particular parcel at least partially in response to verifying that the parcel has been delivered to the particular attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the system is further adapted to send a request for confirmation of delivery to the attended delivery/pickup location and to receive such confirmation.

F. Systems for Facilitating Signature of Documents at Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations

In various embodiments, attended delivery/pickup locations may be configured to manage the signature of documents, such as contracts and other legal documents. In a particular embodiment, to facilitate the signature of a contract, a first individual may send the document to a particular attended delivery/pickup location to be signed by a second individual. The delivery of the document to the attended delivery/pickup location may be facilitated as outlined above, and—when the document arrives at the particular attended delivery/pickup location, the system may notify the second individual that the document has arrived and provide instructions for the second individual to come to the particular attended delivery/pickup location and sign the document.

The second individual may then travel to the particular attended delivery/pickup location and, after providing identification (e.g., in the form of an ID card or a code displayed on the individual's mobile computing device) to a representative of the attended delivery/pickup location, sign the contract. The representative may then verify, in any suitable manner that the contract has been signed by the correct individual. For example, the representative may notarize the document and/or enter information into a data store associated with the system confirming that the contract has been signed by the correct individual. The representative may also create an electronic copy of the document and save the signed document into the system's memory for later retrieval and/or electronic transmission to the first and second individuals. Finally, the system and/or representative may coordinate the return of the original signed document to the first or second individual for their files.

In various embodiments, the document to be signed may include a unique bar code that is used to identify the document, track the document, and/or store the document in memory. In various embodiments, the unique barcode may be used to identify the document as well as the one or more signors of the document.

G. Provision of Value-Added Services at Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations

In particular embodiments, representatives at attended delivery/pickup locations may provide one or more value-added services on parcels and/or items at the attended delivery/pickup locations. This may occur, for example, as items and/or parcels are being returned for a refund, or simply shipped to another location. For example, the representatives may: (1) pack the items for shipping; (2) gift wrap the items; (3) facilitate the return of items to a retailer for a refund or exchange (see below); and/or (4) complete any other value-added service.

H. Use of Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations within Shopping Centers

A further use of attended delivery/pickup locations involves providing one or more attended delivery/pickup locations within a shopping center (e.g., a mall). In a particular embodiment the attended delivery/pickup locations are configured to: (1) receive items purchased at the shopping center from users; and (2) ship the items to a location designated by the user (e.g., to the user's residential or business address, to an attended delivery/pickup location close to the user's residential or business address, and/or to another address designated by the user). This may allow a user to purchase items at the shopping center and then facilitate transporting the purchased items to the user's home or another location without the hassle of leaving the shopping center with the items, transporting the items, etc. . . .

I. Capacity Management Techniques

In particular embodiments, a computer system may be used to estimate the current and/or future capacity of the attended delivery/pickup locations to receive and store parcels. This may be done, for example, using a particular algorithm that assumes, for example, that any parcels will be of a certain average size and will be stored by the attended delivery/pickup locations for a certain period of time before being picked up by a parcel recipient.

In other embodiments, the system may use more precise methods for monitoring the current and/or future capacity of attended delivery/pickup locations to receive and store parcels. For example, the volume of storage space within each attended delivery/pickup location may be stored within the system, and the actual dimensions of each parcel may also be entered into the system when the parcel is received by a logistics company and/or the attended delivery/pickup location. The system may then use this information to: (1) calculate the total volume of parcels that are being stored, or that will be stored, at a particular attended delivery/pickup location at a particular time; and (2) estimate the available capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location to store additional parcels by comparing the calculated parcel volume with the volume of storage space at the attended delivery/pickup location.

In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to determine that an attended delivery/pickup location is unavailable to accept additional deliveries if the estimated volume or number of parcels stored at the attended delivery/pickup location (or to be stored at the attended delivery/pickup location) is within a particular predetermined percentage of the attended delivery/pickup location's capacity. For example, if the attended delivery/pickup location is determined to be at 95% maximum capacity, the system may determine that the attended delivery/pickup location is unavailable to accept additional deliveries. In such a case, the system may reroute parcels scheduled to be delivered to the attended delivery/pickup location to an alternative attended delivery/pickup location and/or show the attended delivery/pickup location as being currently unavailable.

In other embodiments, the system may use one or more of the following different factors to determine whether a particular attended delivery/pickup location has the capacity to accept a particular parcel. Such factors include, for example: (1) the weight of a parcel; (2) the dimensions of the parcel; (3) average latency of parcels at the attended delivery/pickup location; (4) one or more characteristics of the parcel's intended recipient (e.g., how quickly the intended recipient usually retrieves parcels from attended delivery/pickup locations); (5) typical characteristics of the clientele of the delivery/pickup location (e.g., how quickly the average customer of the attended delivery/pickup location retrieves parcels from the attended delivery/pickup location); (6) the cubic parcel storage capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location; (7) the density of the parcel and/or (7) the ability of the attended delivery/pickup location to extend its capacity to accept parcels. The system may also take into account the amount of labor required to physically add the parcel to the current inventory of the attended delivery/pickup location.

J. Methods for Recommending Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations to Users

In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to recommend particular attended delivery/pickup locations for the delivery of a particular parcel. In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to automatically generate suitable recommendations based, at least in part, on: (1) the distance of the attended delivery/pickup location from a location specified by the user; (2) the estimated current or future capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location to accept deliveries; (3) trends in activity associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., if an attended delivery/pickup location experiences an day-to-day increase in volume above a certain threshold, the system won't recommend the attended delivery/pickup location for a predetermined number of days); or (4) any other suitable factors. After the system recommends one or more particular delivery/pickup locations, the user may either select one of the recommended attended delivery/pickup locations to receive the delivery, or specify a non-recommended attended delivery/pickup location to receive the delivery.

K. Methods for Handling a Parcel that is Destined for an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location that has No Additional Capacity

In some cases, a logistics system or other system may determine that a particular parcel is en route to a particular attended delivery/pickup location that has inadequate capacity to accept the parcel. In such cases, the system may, for example: (1) block the delivery of the parcel to the particular attended delivery/pickup location, re-route the parcel to an alternative attended delivery/pickup location, and inform the intended parcel recipient of the change; (2) hold the parcel for a predetermined period of time, deliver the parcel to the particular attended delivery/pickup location at a later time, and inform the intended recipient of the scheduling change; (3) deliver the parcel to the recipient's home or place of business; or (4) handle the situation in any other suitable manner. The system may determine which of the above approaches to take based at least in part, for example, on one or more user-specified preferences.

L. Methods for Determining Alternative Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In various situations, such as the situation described immediately above, the system may re-route a parcel to an alternative attended delivery/pickup location. In such situations, the alternative attended delivery/pickup location may be identified based on, for example: (1) the distance of the alternative attended delivery/pickup location from the original, target attended delivery/pickup location; (2) the distance of the alternative attended delivery/pickup location from the customer's residence or place of business; (3) the last attended delivery/pickup location used by the customer; or (4) a previous preference expressed by the intended recipient of the parcel.

M. Methods for Allowing Customer to Reserve Space in an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In certain embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow users to reserve space for a particular parcel at a particular attended delivery/pickup location so that delivery to the particular attended delivery/pickup location (rather than an alternative location) is guaranteed. The system may or may not charge the parcel recipient for making such a reservation. In certain embodiments, the system provides such reservations free of charge to those subscribing to a paid premium logistics service.

In various embodiments, the system is adapted to allow users to reserve one or more spaces (e.g., a block of spaces) at an attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to allow users to reserves the one or more spaces at a time before any parcels are scheduled for delivery for the user at the attended delivery/pickup location where the user reserved the one or more spaces. The user may, for example, reserve the one or more spaces on a particular day (e.g., or days) in the future. In various embodiments, the ability to reserve attended delivery/pickup spaces in advance may allow users to ensure that there will be space at the attended delivery/pickup location for a future order that the user is planning, or for a future shipment that he user anticipates receiving.

In particular embodiments, the users reserving the space may include individuals, customers, manufacturers, corporations, etc. For example, a company releasing a new product (e.g, Apple® releasing a new smartphone) may reserve one or more spaces at various attended delivery/pickup locations for the release date of the product. The company may then schedule shipment of the new product to each of the attended delivery/pickup locations in order to allow users to pick up the product ordered by the customer or purchase the product directly from the attended delivery/pickup location on the release date. In this way, attended delivery/pickup locations may serve as temporary storefronts for companies who may, for example, wish to increase the availability of their product, or facilitate a more convenient purchase or pickup of the product by their customers.

N. Methods for Facilitating the Return of Items Using an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

Attended delivery/pickup locations may be configured, in some embodiments, to facilitate the return of previously purchased items to a retailer for a refund or exchange. For example, in particular embodiments, a representative at an attended delivery/pickup location (and/or a computer system associated with the attended delivery/pickup location) determines whether a particular item may be returned/exchanged and: (1) if the item may not be returned/exchanged, inform the individual attempting to return the item that the item may not be returned/exchanged; or (2) if the item may be returned/exchanged, facilitate the return/exchange of the item in accordance with terms specified by the retailer to which the item is to be returned. In a particular embodiment, the system may be adapted to: (1) read a machine-readable indicia (e.g., a UPC code, a transaction code associated with the sale of the item to the individual attempting to exchange the item, or other suitable item identifier) associated with an item to be returned; and (2) use information derived from the machine-readable indicia to determine whether the item may be returned/exchanged. In particular embodiments, the derived information may include a deadline for returning/exchanging the item. If an item is currently eligible to be returned or exchanged, the system may optionally determine when the user should receive either a refund for the item or a substitute item and provide this information to the user.

In a particular embodiment in which the user is returning an item to a retail website by dropping the item at an attended delivery/pickup location, the system may be configured to provide a return label for placing on a parcel containing the item that the user is returning. In various embodiments, the return label may expire at the end of a particular return period (e.g., a period provided by the retail website in which the user (e.g., customer) may return items to the retail website in exchange for a full or partial refund). In particular embodiments, if the return label has not expired, the system may facilitate the shipment of the returned item from the attended delivery/pickup location to the retail website (e.g., a warehouse, storage facility, or processing facility associated with the retail website) at no cost to the user. In various embodiments, the system, in response to determining that the return label has expired, may facilitate the shipment of the returned item from the attended delivery/pickup location to the retail website (e.g., a warehouse, storage facility, or processing facility associated with the retail website) after charging the user a return fee. In other embodiments, if the return label has expired, the system may facilitate the shipment of the returned item from the attended delivery/pickup location to the retail website (e.g., a warehouse, storage facility, or processing facility associated with the retail website) at no cost to the user; the system may then be configured to notify the retail website that the return period for the returned item has expired, and the retail website may charge the user for the return (e.g., deduct the cost of shipping the returned item from any refund to which the user may be entitled).

In various embodiments, a computer system at each attended delivery/pickup location may be adapted to provide users with access to one or more checklists and/or questionnaires that may be used to make sure that all parts of a particular item are present before the item is returned to a retailer for a refund or exchange. This may save the retailer time and money associated with replacing sub-parts of returned items.

O. Methods for Facilitating the Pickup of Parcels or Other Items from an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

Various techniques may be used to facilitate the pickup of parcels or other items from an attended delivery/pickup location. For example, a user may be provided with an electronic ID card or other device that may be used to quickly identify the individual and any parcels that are to be picked up by the individual at a particular attended delivery/pickup location. Similarly, the user may be provided with an application on the user's mobile computing device that facilitates identification of the user via near field communications, or one or more bar codes displayed on the screen of the mobile device. Such a bar code may alternatively be printed (e.g., as a voucher) and presented to a representative of an attended delivery/pickup location to facilitate quick identification and pickup of one or more parcels stored at the attended delivery/pickup location.

In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to facilitate the pickup of a parcel by an individual other than the intended recipient of the parcel by, for example, having the intended recipient transfer the electronic ID card (or a printed voucher generated by the system) to another individual. The other individual may then present the electronic or physical ID card or voucher to a representative at the attended delivery/pickup location to verify that the individual is authorized to pick up the parcel on the intended recipient's behalf. After the representative uses the system to verify the authenticity of the electronic or physical ID card or voucher, the representative may transfer the parcel to the individual.

In various embodiments, the electronic ID card discussed above may be adapted so that it is only valid when the electronic ID card (or a device displaying the card) is located at a particular geographic location (e.g., at or near a particular GPS coordinate, or within a particular Bluetooth network, or close enough to a particular computing device to communicate with the device using near field communications).

In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to create an electronic token to verify that the user's computing device (and, therefore, presumably the user) was present at a location when a parcel was picked up. This may serve as evidence that the parcel was picked up by the intended recipient rather than another individual.

P. Methods for Facilitating the Immediate Sale and Delivery of Popular Items from an e-Commerce Site

In particular embodiments, an attended delivery/pickup location may stock one or more items that sell frequently on an e-commerce web site (e.g., bestselling books, DVD's, or CD's). In particular embodiments, when a user of the e-commerce web site indicates that they wish to purchase such an item, the system may search the inventory of one or more attended delivery/pickup locations that are geographically close to the user (as determined by the user's mobile device, from information provided by the user, etc. . . . ) to determine whether the attended delivery/pickup locations have the item in stock. If so, the system may inform the user that a nearby attended delivery/pickup location has the item in stock, and provide the user with the option of paying for the item online and then picking the item up (e.g., substantially immediately on the same day) from the nearby attended delivery/pickup location.

In such cases, after the user purchases the item on the e-commerce site, the system may generate a physical or electronic receipt that the user may use to retrieve the item from the identified attended delivery/pickup location. The system may also electronically notify the attended delivery/pickup location that the user has purchased the item and request that the item be set aside for the user.

Q. Methods and Systems for Training Employees of an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In particular embodiments, each attended delivery/pickup location may be provided with a client computer that may be switched between an active mode (in which the client computer is adapted to facilitate the pickup, delivery, and/or tracking of parcels), and a training mode (in which the client computer is adapted to train individuals how to use the system). In particular embodiments, when the client computer is in the training mode, the computer simulates the operation of the computer when the computer is in active mode and provides instructions on how to properly operate the computer.

R. Methods and Systems for Conducting a Survey at an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In particular embodiments, when a user picks up a parcel at a particular attended delivery/pickup location, the user is presented with an electronic survey of their experience at the attended delivery/pickup location. If the user rates the experience highly (e.g., 9-10 out of a possible 10), the system invites the user to go onto a social media website, such as Facebook, to provide comments and/or other feedback. This may help to expand the number of positive comments on the social media website.

S. Provision of Customized Web Site for Each Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In various embodiments, the system is adapted to provide a customized website for each attended delivery/pickup location. The website may include a private portion that may only be accessed by individuals associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup location. This private portion may display, for example, information regarding how much the attended delivery/pickup location has earned through delivery/pickup activities and other relevant information.

The website may also include a public portion that allows the particular attended delivery/pickup location to advertise special offers, such as offers for discounted merchandise. In particular embodiments, particular offers may only if the user retrieves their one or more parcels from the attended delivery/pickup location before a particular location.

T. Methods for Enabling Users to Define Attended Delivery/Pickup Location Attributes

In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to allow users of the system to define and change various attributes associated with a particular attended delivery/pickup location. Particular attributes which a user may define include, for example, the hours of operation of the attended delivery/pickup location. For example, a user may define hours of operation based at least in part on the hours of operation of the retail store at which the attended delivery/pickup location is located. In various embodiments, users may define hours of operation based on any other suitable factor and may change hours of operation for any suitable reason (e.g., based at least in part on or due to staff availability to man the attended delivery/pickup location, based at least in part on holidays or holiday schedules, etc.).

In other embodiments, users may define which particular items may be delivered to and/or temporarily stored at the attended delivery/pickup location. For example, a user may define an attended delivery/pickup location such that the attended delivery/pickup location may only accept a particular model of a new mobile computing device. In particular embodiments, the system may be configured to limit accepted items to allowed items by using one or more stock-keeping units (e.g., SKUs) associated with the allowed items. In other embodiments, the system may ensure that only allowed items are accepted by the attended delivery/pickup location using any other suitable technique (e.g., by scanning a barcode associated with an item when it is presented to the attended delivery/pickup location, etc.)

In particular embodiments the system may be configured to allow a user to define any other attribute associated with the attended delivery/pickup location. In various embodiments, the system may be configured to receive a listing of one or more users who are authorized to define and/or change the various attributes associated with the attended delivery/pickup location. Authorized users may include, for example, the owner of the attended delivery/pickup location, the owner of the retail store in which the attended delivery/pickup location is located, an authorized manager or employee of the attended delivery/pickup location or the retail store with which the attended delivery/pickup location is associated, an authorized representative of a logistics company associated with facilitating delivery and/or pickup of items to or from the attended delivery/pickup location, etc.

U. Methods for Facilitating Substantially Anonymous Delivery to and Pickup from an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to enable a user to request delivery of one or more items to an attended delivery/pickup location substantially anonymously. As a particular example, a user may order one or more items from an online retailer for delivery to a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In various embodiments, the system may enable the user to complete a transaction with the online retailer for the item as a guest (e.g., without logging into an account associated with the user or the online retailer). The user may then request, as part of the transaction, that the one or more items be delivered to an attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the system may be configured to facilitate delivery of the one or more items to the attended delivery/pickup location without associating a name or other identifying characteristic of the user with the one or more items.

The system may, in various embodiments, assign an alias to the user (e.g., such as a unique identifying string of characters, etc.) In other embodiments, the system may be configured to associate a confirmation number with the shipment of the one or more items. In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to require the user to present something other than a proof of identification of the user when the user goes to the attended delivery/pickup location to pick up the one or more items. For example, the system may require the user to present the confirmation number or alias in order to retrieve the one or more items, the system may require the user to show an e-mail, text message, or other suitable confirmation message confirming that the user placed the order for the one or more items, etc. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to require confirmation by a user picking up the one or more items from the attended delivery/pickup location that the user placed the order for the one or more items in any other suitable manner (e.g., a manner in which the user's anonymity is substantially maintained).

V. Systems for Determining Suitability of Locations as Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations

In various embodiments, the system is configured to determine a suitability of a particular location to serve as a location for an attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the determination is based on, for example: (1) a number of returns that occur at the particular location (e.g., where the particular location is a retail location); (2) a number of complaints about the location (e.g., complaints from customers of a business at the location); (3) geographic and demographic data associated with the particular location; (4) third party commercially available data (e.g., a volume of sales at a business associated with the particular location, an average number of customers that patronize a business associated with the particular location, etc.); and (5) any other suitable factor.

In particular embodiments, determination of suitability for a location as an attended delivery/pickup location is determined using any suitable technique used by retailers or other businesses when selecting a suitable location to open a particular business. In other embodiments, the determination is based at least in part on logistics data (e.g., based at least in part on particular shipping routes utilized by logistics companies, etc.). In other embodiments, the determination may be based on any suitable combination of the factors discussed above, or any other factors.

W. Flexible Activation of Alternative Delivery/Pickup Locations

In various embodiments, the system is adapted to allow a user to quickly activate and/or deactivate one or more attended delivery/pickup locations, and/or to create one or more time-limited attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., alternative delivery/pickup locations that are set to exist for only a pre-determined amount of time). In a particular embodiment, the system is adapted to allow a user to set up a particular attended delivery/pickup location by: (1) specifying the attended delivery/pickup location; (2) specifying a start time for the attended delivery/pickup location to be in existence; and (3) specifying an end time for the attended delivery/pickup location to be in existence. In various embodiments, the start time is selected to occur at about the beginning of a particular event (e.g., a particular concert, party, sporting event, or other event), and the end time is selected to occur at about the end of the particular event. In particular embodiments, the event may be staffed by one or more individuals associated with the particular event.

Certain embodiments of the system and method described herein are described in further detail below. As shown in FIG. 4, certain embodiments of the User-Based Location Activation Module 400 are configured to facilitate activation of one or more temporary attended delivery/pickup locations as requested by a user. The User-Based Location Activation Module 400 may operate alone or in combination with one or more other modules to perform the functions shown in FIG. 4. It should also be understood that various systems, when executing the User-Based Location Activation Module 400 may omit particular functions or perform additional functions in performing the functions of the User-Based Location Activation Module 400.

Exemplary Functionality of the User-Based Location Activation Module

The system begins at Step 402 by receiving a request to open a temporary attended delivery/pickup location. The system may be configured to receive the request in any suitable way, including, but not limited to: 1) from a webform transmitted from a client device associated with a particular user; 2) from a mobile application installed on a client device associated with the particular user; and 3) via an email or other electronic message associated with the user.

The request to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location may include any suitable information. In various embodiments, the request to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location includes a time of opening (e.g., the request includes when the user would like the temporary attended delivery/pickup location to be open, activated, and/or start receiving one or more parcels). In one or more embodiments, the request includes a shut-down time (e.g., the request a time when the user would like the temporary attended delivery/pickup location to close, be deactivated, and/or no longer have one or more parcels delivered to the location). According to particular embodiments, the request to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location includes a location for the temporary delivery/pickup location (e.g., an address, geolocation such as GPS, etc.).

In various embodiments, the request includes information associated with an event. The information associated with the event may include a start and end time for the event, which the system may be configured to use as the start and end time for the temporary attended delivery/pickup location. In a particular embodiment, the event information includes any other suitable information about the event, including the event location, demographics associated with the people who may attend the event, etc.

At Step 404, the system, at least partially in response to receiving the request to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location, facilitates opening the temporary attended delivery/pickup location. The system may be configured to facilitate opening the temporary attended delivery/pickup location in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the system is configured to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location by transmitting a notification to a user (e.g., the user that requested opening the temporary attended delivery/pickup location). In particular embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate opening the temporary attended delivery/pickup location by transmitting a notification to one or more logistics companies to facilitate the delivery of one or more parcels to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location.

At Step 406, the system facilitates a delivery of at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location. The system may be configured to facilitate the delivery of at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate the delivery of at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location by enabling one or more parcel recipients to select the temporary attended delivery/pickup location for the delivery of the at least one parcel (e.g., the temporary attended delivery/pickup location is added to a list of attended delivery/pickup locations that a parcel recipient can choose to have the at least one parcel delivered to). In one or more embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate the delivery of at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location by transmitting one or more notifications to one or more logistics companies (e.g., indicating that the temporary attended delivery/pickup location is available for delivery).

At Step 408, the system facilitates a shut-down of the attended delivery/pickup location. In various embodiments, the system may be configured to facilitate the shut-down of the attended delivery/pickup location by sending a notification to the user who requested the temporary attended delivery/pickup location to be opened. According to particular embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate the shut-down of the temporary attended delivery/pickup location by notifying one or more logistics companies to stop sending any parcels to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location. In further embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate the shut-down of the attended delivery/pickup location by removing the temporary delivery/pickup location from a list of attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., so one or more parcel recipients are no longer enabled to select the temporary attended delivery/pickup location for the delivery of any parcels).

As shown in FIG. 5, certain embodiments of the Area-Based Location Activation Module 500 are configured to facilitate activation of one or more attended delivery/pickup locations by area. The Area-Based Location Activation Module 500 may operate alone or in combination with the one or more other modules to perform the functions shown in FIG. 5. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that certain embodiments of the Area-Based Location Activation Module 500 may perform the functions shown in FIG. 5 in an order other than the order shown in FIG. 5. It should also be understood that various systems, when executing the Area-Based Location Activation Module 500 may omit particular functions or perform additional functions in performing the functions of the Area-Based Location Activation Module 500.

Exemplary Functionality of the Area-Based Location Activation Module

When executing the Area-Based Location Activation Module 500, the system begins, at Step 502, by receiving desired area information, wherein the desired area information includes a particular area where at least one attended delivery/pickup location is desired. The system may be configured to receive the desired area information from any suitable source. In various embodiments, the system is configured to receive the desired area information from a client device associated with a user of the system (e.g., the user is a company that wishes to activate a temporary attended delivery/pickup location for a specific event). In a particular embodiment, the system is configured to receive the desired area information from one or more servers or one or more client devices associated with the system (e.g., a user associated with the system wishes to activate an attended delivery/pickup location). In one or more embodiments, the system is configured to receive the desired area information from a third party (e.g., one or more third party servers), such as a retailer, an event planner, etc.

The desired area information may include any suitable information associated with one or more areas. In various embodiments, the desired area information includes information associated with a particular event, such as a concert, a marathon, a party, and/or a sporting event (e.g., the desired area is an area that includes a particular concert venue and a particular surrounding area). In one or more embodiments, the desired area information includes information associated with specific demographics (e.g., where a specific demographic is predicted to buy a certain item at launch, the desired area may be an area associated with a large cluster of the specific demographic).

The particular area where at least one attended delivery/pickup location is desired may be defined in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the particular area is defined by a specific location (e.g., an address, a GPS location, etc.) and a distance (e.g., one mile) extending outward from the specific location for the distance (e.g., the particular area is centered on a stadium and includes the surrounding one mile radius). According to particular embodiments, the particular area is defined by a predetermined region (e.g., the system has predetermined a region that may be chosen), such as a particular area of a particular city (e.g., Chinatown, San Francisco). In one or more embodiments, the particular area is an area chosen by drawing an area on a map, selecting an area on a map, and/or zooming (e.g., zooming in or out) on a map to a particular area.

In a particular embodiment, the at least one attended delivery/pickup location is a business that primarily conducts business other than receiving parcels for users and is a location other than the user's home or office (e.g., not the user's workplace). In various embodiments, the delivery/pickup location may be, but is not limited to: 1) a retail store; 2) a gas station; 3) a grocery store; 4) a pharmacy; 5) a stand-alone kiosk; 6) a conference center; and/or 7) a retail store within a mall or shopping center. It should be understood, in light of this disclosure, that a delivery/pickup location, in one or more embodiments, may be one or more delivery/pickup locations.

In various embodiments, the at least one attended delivery/pickup location includes a storage area for accepted parcels (e.g., an area for storing one or more parcels to be held until the recipient of the parcel comes to pick up their parcel). The storage area for accepted parcels may be any area suitable for storing parcels for pickup. In one or more embodiments, the storage area is space behind a counter (e.g., behind a counter at a gas station). According to various embodiments, the storage area is a dedicated room for storing accepted parcels. In many embodiments, the storage area is an area where the delivery/pickup location stores inventory for the regular business associated with the delivery/pickup location (e.g., a gas station has a room where an inventory of soda is stored and the gas station uses some of this space for storing accepted parcels).

In various embodiments, a particular delivery/pickup location may have special or unique storage suitable for storing one or more parcels that require a specific type of storage. According to particular embodiments, the special or unique storage of a delivery/pickup location may be: 1) temperature controlled storage; 2) humidity controlled storage; 3) sunlight controlled storage (e.g., storage with or without UV light); 4) any other controlled type of storage.

In a particular example, a gas station has an area for storing cold beverages. In this example, the gas station may specify that it has storage suitable for storing perishable goods for pickup. Continuing with this example, the gas station may accept one or more parcels for a user where the one or more parcels require cold storage because they contain food products, such as meat, produce, and/or any other perishable goods.

At Step 504, the system receives information associated with a temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, wherein the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location includes a geographic location. The system may be configured to receive the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the system is configured to receive the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location from the particular delivery/pickup location (e.g., from one or more client devices and/or one or more servers associated with the particular delivery/pickup location). According to a particular embodiment, the system is configured to receive the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location from a database associated with the system (e.g., the system keeps a database of at least one attended delivery/pickup location). According to various embodiments, the system is configured to receive the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location from one or more third parties (e.g., from one or more servers associated with the one or more third parties).

The system may be configured to receive information associated with any suitable temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location(s). In various embodiments, the system is configured to receive information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, as described at Step 502, which are inactive. In a particular embodiment, the system is configured to receive information from the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, which may be active or inactive. In one or more embodiments, the system is configured to receive information from the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (active or inactive), which is located within the desired area (e.g., the system may request the information from the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location). In further embodiments, the system is configured to receive information from the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (active and/or inactive), which is located near the desired area. It should be understood, in light of this disclosure, that the particular delivery/pickup location discussed herein may be one or more temporary particular attended delivery/pickup locations.

The system may be configured to receive any suitable information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. In a preferred embodiment, the system is configured to receive information associated with the geographic location of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, for example, the geographic location may include the address, the ZIP code, the region where the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located, the proximity of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location to landmarks, the distance of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location from public transits stops, etc.

The information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location may include information about the activation status of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. In various embodiments, the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location includes an indication of whether the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is currently active (e.g., authorized to accept one or more parcels for at least one individual). In particular embodiments, the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location includes an indication of the last time the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location was active, the duration of time the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location was last active, etc.

The information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location may include any other appropriate information. In various embodiments, the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location includes an indication of the capacity of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location to store one or more parcels. In particular embodiments, the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location includes information associated with staffing the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, such has how many employers are on staff and whether the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location needs more staff to be activated as an attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., if more staff is needed for accepting and/or storing one or more parcels for at least one user).

Continuing with Step 506, the system determines that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the particular area based at least in part on the geographic location associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. The system may determine that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the particular area (e.g., at Step 502) in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the system is configured to determine that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the particular area by comparing the location of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., the address and/or ZIP code associated with the attended delivery/pickup location at Step 504) with the particular area (e.g., using the address and area to determine whether the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located within the area). In particular embodiments, the system is configured to determine that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the particular area by locating the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location on a map (e.g., using an address associated with the particular delivery/pickup location) showing the particular area to determine whether the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located in or near the particular area.

At Step 508, the system transmits a notification to a client device, wherein the notification includes: 1) an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the desired area; and 2) an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is inactive. In various embodiments, the system is configured to transmit any suitable notification, such as, for example, an email, a message on a website, a social network message, a text (SMS) message, and/or any other suitable type of notification.

The system may be configured to transmit the notification to any suitable client device. In various embodiments, the system is configured to transmit the notification to a client device associated with the system (e.g., one or more client devices associated with the system). In particular embodiments, the system is configured to transmit the notification to a client device associated with the attended delivery/pickup location. In further embodiments, the system is configured to transmit the notification to a client device associated with a third party. In still further embodiments, the system is configured to transmit the notification to a client device associated with a third party that indicated a desire for the attended delivery/pickup location at Step 502.

The notification may include any suitable information. According to particular embodiments, the notification includes an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is inactive. In various embodiments, the notification includes an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the desired area. In further embodiments, the notification includes other suitable information such as, but not limited to: 1) demographic information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; 2) capacity information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., how much capacity the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location has for storing one or more parcels); 3) customer review information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., positive and/or negative customer review information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location); 4) staffing information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., how many employees are associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location); 6) a start and/or end time for one or more events occurring near the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at Step 502); 7) the location of one or more events occurring near the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; and 8) any other suitable information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location.

At Step 510, the system, at least partially in response to transmitting the notification to the client device, receives a request to activate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. The system may be configured to receive the request in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the system is configured to receive the request via email, text (SMS), webform, and/or any other suitable mechanism.

The system may be configured to receive the request from any suitable source. In various embodiments, the system is configured to receive the request from the user that received the transmitted notification at Step 508. In one or more embodiments, the system is configured to receive the request from a third party and/or from a client device associated with the system.

The request may include any suitable information. In a preferred embodiment, the request includes a request to activate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. In one or more embodiments, the request includes a requested time for activating the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. In further embodiments, the request includes a requested end time for the activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., a time to deactivate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location). In still further embodiments, the request includes details about a particular event (e.g., at Step 502) and the start and end time for the activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location corresponds to the start and end of the particular event.

At Step 512, the system, at least partially in response to receiving the request to activate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, facilitates activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. The system may facilitate activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location by sending one or more messages to one or more client devices associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, to one or more client devices associated with the system, and/or to one or more client devices associated with one or more third parties.

In one or more embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location by authorizing the delivery of at least one parcel to the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. According to various embodiments, the system is configured to authorize the delivery of the at least one parcel substantially immediately (e.g., immediately). In particular embodiments, the system is configured to authorize the delivery of the one or more parcels at a predetermined time (e.g., the start time of an event at Step 510).

In various embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate deactivation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. The system may be configured to facilitate deactivation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location in any suitable way. According to particular embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate deactivation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location by sending a message to one or more users indicating that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is being deactivated. In one or more embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate deactivation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location by stopping the delivery of one or more parcels to the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location. In further embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate deactivation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location at a predetermined time (e.g., the end time of an event at Step 510).

X. Regularly Scheduled Pickups

In various embodiments, the system is adapted to coordinate pickups, on a regular basis (e.g., daily, weekly, etc. . . . ) from a particular location. Such pickups may be made by one or more logistics providers that service attended delivery/pickup locations. This service may be implemented for a fee, or for no charge.

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow individuals to issue a real-time pickup request to have a parcel picked up at a particular location. In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to automatically select a common carrier from a plurality of common carriers to handle the requested parcel pickup. The system may do this, for example, by: (1) informing a plurality of common carriers of the request; (2) accepting one or more respective bid prices from each of the plurality of common carriers for which the respective common carriers would be willing to handle the requested parcel pickup; (3) based, at least in part, on the respective bid prices, selecting a particular one of the plurality of common carriers to handle the request; and (4) in response to selecting the particular common carrier, facilitating the pickup of the parcel by the particular common carrier.

Y. Automatic Tariff Changes

In various embodiments, the system is adapted to calculate the amount that a particular individual will pay in parcel shipping charges in a way that is customized for the situation at hand. For example, the shipping charge associated with shipping a parcel from a particular on-line retailer to an individual may be based, at least in part, on: (1) the current availability and/or capacity of an attended delivery/pickup location to which the parcel is to be delivered; (2) the frequency of the individual's purchasing and/or shipment activity (e.g., frequent purchasers and/or shippers may receive a discount); (3) the carrier handling the delivery; (4) loyalty to a particular attended delivery/pickup location; (5) loyalty to the carrier handling the delivery; and/or (6) total frequency of shipments to the attended delivery/pickup location on the individual's behalf. In particular embodiments, the system may be customizable by any suitable party (e.g., the owner of an attended delivery/pickup location) or any combination of suitable parties to calculate customized shipping rates based on any combination of any suitable factors, such as the factors listed above.

Z. Exemplary Delivery Configurations

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to facilitate the delivery of one or more parcels between various different types of locations. For example, the system may be adapted to facilitate the delivery of one or more parcels from: (1) an attended delivery/pickup location to an individual's home; (2) an attended delivery/pickup location to another attended delivery/pickup location; (3) an individual's home to an attended delivery/pickup location; and (4) a first individual's home to a second individual's home.

Illustrative Example of Delivery to a Suggested Delivery/Pickup Location

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary transportation diagram that generally illustrates the delivery of a parcel 600 directly to an attended delivery/pickup location 612, 614, 616. As may be understood from this figure, parcel recipients may elect to have parcels delivered directly to attended delivery/pickup locations 612, 614, 616 rather than to other locations that are more closely associated with the parcel recipient (e.g., the parcel recipient's home or workplace). In various embodiments, a system for coordinating the delivery of parcels to attended delivery/pickup locations may provide each potential parcel recipient with a selection of attended delivery/pickup locations from which the parcel recipient may select one or more attended delivery/pickup locations to have their inbound parcels delivered to. For example, the system may present the user with a plurality of attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., such as delivery/pickup locations 612, 614, 616). These attended delivery/pickup locations may include attended delivery/pickup locations that are located near (e.g., within a particular distance of) one or more locations such as the parcel recipient's home, the parcel recipient's place of work, or any other location that is closely associated with the parcel recipient.

For example, a particular attended delivery/pickup location 612 may be a gas station located half a mile from the user's workplace 613. Another attended delivery/pickup location 614 may be a grocery store three blocks from the user's apartment 615. Yet another attended delivery/pickup location 616 may include a flower shop next door to a gymnasium 617 of which the user is a member. As may be understood from FIG. 6, a common carrier (e.g., or other logistics company) may deliver parcels directly to such attended delivery/pickup locations rather than to the locations that are more closely associated with the parcel recipient 613, 615, 617.

As noted above, delivering to attended delivery/pickup locations rather than particular addresses (e.g., such as home addresses) more closely associated with particular parcel recipient may be beneficial for common carriers in that it may reduce the total number of addresses that the common carrier may need to deliver parcels to in a particular day. This process may also be advantageous to parcel recipients because it may assure that their parcel is delivered to a convenient, attended location. This may, for example, eliminate the risk associated with having the common carrier leave the parcel outside the parcel recipient's home, or with having the parcel misplaced or improperly routed within the parcel recipient's workplace. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to deliver a parcel to whichever attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., attended delivery/pickup location 612, 614, or 616) the user selects.

Illustrative Example of an Individual and/or Business Requesting to Serve as a Temporary Attended Delivery/Pickup Location

In a particular example, an individual wishes to set up a temporary attended delivery/pickup location for an upcoming two-day concert (e.g., a festival). The individual may have access to a location (e.g., any location where parcels can be dropped off and stored) near the concert venue. The individual can then receive a fee (e.g., from a logistics provider and/or from individuals) to have parcels shipped to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location and/or charge individuals to drop off items that can be shipped from the temporary attended delivery/pickup location to individuals' homes. In this way, the user can set up a location near a concert venue where others can have items sent (e.g., a forgotten tooth brush, a change of clothes, a tent, etc.) and/or ship items home (e.g., souvenirs, etc.).

The individual provides the system with details of when they would like the temporary attended delivery/pickup location to open (e.g., two days before the concert) and close (e.g., one day after the concert), and the location of the temporary attended delivery/pickup location. The system would then, in this example, facilitate the opening and closing of the temporary attended delivery location as well as the delivery of parcels to, and pickup of parcels from, the temporary attended delivery location.

Illustrative Example of Opening an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location by Area

In a particular example, an individual associated with the system (e.g., an employee of a company employing the system), transmits area information indicating that they would like to activate a temporary attended delivery/pickup location in a particular area (e.g., an area encompassing a shopping center). The employee of the company employing the system may also indicate a time for activating and/or deactivating the temporary attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at the beginning and end of the Christmas shopping season). In this way, the company employing the system may provide a temporary attended delivery/pickup location to customers that may frequent the particular area (e.g., near a shopping center) for a limited amount of time (e.g., the Christmas shopping season).

The system, after receiving the area information, in this example, searches for inactive attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., a retailer that is not an attended delivery/pickup location year-round). The system, after locating a suitable attended delivery/pickup location, continuing with this example, facilities activating and sending parcels to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location. The system may also, in this example, facilitate shutting down the temporary attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at the end of the Christmas shopping season or at any other suitable time).

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present systems and methods will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this present systems and methods pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. While examples discussed above cover the use of the present systems and methods in the context of attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., attended retail delivery/pickup locations), the present systems and methods may be used in any other suitable context, such as within the context of: 1) unattended delivery/pickup locations; 2) attended delivery-only locations; 3) attended pickup-only location; 4) unattended delivery-only locations; and 5) unattended pickup-only locations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present systems and methods is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system comprising: at least one processor, wherein the computer system is configured for: (A) receiving desired area information, wherein the desired area information comprises information associated with a particular area where at least one attended delivery/pickup location is desired; (B) receiving information associated with a temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location, wherein the information associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location comprises: i) a geographic location associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; and ii) an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is inactive; (C) determining that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the particular area based at least in part on the geographic location associated with the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; (D) transmitting a notification to a client device, wherein the notification comprises: i) an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is located near the desired area; and ii) an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location is inactive; (E) at least partially in response to transmitting the notification to the client device, receiving a request to activate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location; (F) at least partially in response to receiving the request to activate the at least one attended delivery/pickup location, facilitating activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the request to activate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location comprises a particular time for activating the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location.
 3. The computer system of claim 2, wherein facilitating activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location comprises facilitating activation of the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location at about the particular time.
 4. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the particular time coincides with the beginning of at least one event.
 5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein the particular area comprises an area associated with the at least one event.
 6. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the at least one event comprises an event selected from the group consisting of: (A) a concert; (B) a marathon; (C) a party; (D) a sporting event; and (E) a festival.
 7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the at least one event comprises a concert.
 8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the area associated with the at least one event comprises an area associated with the concert.
 9. The computer system of claim 4, wherein the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location comprises a location selected from the group consisting of: (A) a gas station; (B) a grocery store; (C) a conference center; (D) a convenience store; and (E) a retailer.
 10. The computer system of claim 4, wherein the transmitted notification further comprises an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location needs to be staffed.
 11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the request to activate the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location comprises an indication that the temporary particular attended delivery/pickup location will be staffed by at least one staff member associated with the at least one event.
 12. A computer system comprising: at least one processor, wherein the computer system is configured for: (A) receiving desired area information, wherein the desired area information comprises a particular area associated with a particular event where at least one attended delivery/pickup location is desired; (B) receiving information associated with a particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location, wherein the information associated with the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location comprises a geographic location associated with the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location; (C) determining that the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location is located near the particular area based at least in part on the geographic location associated with the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location; (D) transmitting at least one notification to at least one client device, wherein the at least one notification comprises: i) an indication that the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location is located near the desired area; and ii) an indication that the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location is inactive; (E) at least partially in response to transmitting the at least one notification to the client device, receiving a request to activate the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location, wherein: i) the request to activate the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location comprises a request to activate the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location at a particular start time; and ii) the particular start time is associated with the start of the particular event; and (F) at least partially in response to receiving the request to activate the at least one attended delivery/pickup location, facilitating activation of the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location at about the particular start time.
 13. The computer system of claim 12, wherein: (A) the request to activate the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location further comprises a particular end time; and (B) the particular end time is associated with the end of the particular event.
 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the computer system is further configured for facilitating deactivation of the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location at about the particular end time.
 15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the transmitted notification further comprises an indication that the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location needs to be staffed.
 16. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the request to activate the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location comprises an indication that the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location will be staffed by at least one staff member associated with particular event from about the particular start time to about the particular end time.
 17. The computer system of claim 12, wherein the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location comprises a business, wherein the business is not primarily for receiving one or more parcels.
 18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein facilitating activation of the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location comprises authorizing the particular inactive attended delivery/pickup location to receive at least one parcel associated with at least one user.
 19. A computer-implemented method for the temporary activation of an attended delivery/pickup location comprising: (A) receiving, by at least one computer processor, a request to open a temporary attended delivery/pickup location, the request comprising: i) a location for the temporary attended delivery/pickup location; ii) a start time to open the attended delivery/pickup location; iii) a shut-down time for shutting down the attended delivery/pick up location; (B) at least partially in response to receiving the request to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location, facilitating, by at least one computer processor, opening the temporary attended delivery/pickup location at about the start time; (C) facilitating a delivery of at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location; and (D) facilitating a shut-down of the temporary attended delivery/pickup location at about the shut-down time.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the location for the temporary attended delivery/pickup location is near an upcoming event.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the upcoming event is an event selected from the group consisting of: (A) a concert; (B) a marathon; (C) a party; (D) a sporting event; and (E) a festival.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein: (A) receiving the request to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location comprises receiving the request by at least one processor; and (B) facilitating the delivery of the at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location comprises facilitating the delivery of the at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location by at least one processor.
 23. A computer-implemented method for the temporary activation of an attended delivery/pickup location comprising: (A) receiving, by at least one processor, a request to open a temporary attended delivery/pickup location, the request comprising: i) a location for the temporary attended delivery/pickup location; ii) event information associated with an event occurring near the location for the temporary attended delivery/pickup location, the event information comprising: 1) a start time for the event; and 2) an end time for the event; (B) at least partially in response to receiving the request to open the temporary attended delivery/pickup location, facilitating, by at least one processor, facilitating opening the temporary attended delivery/pickup location at about the start time for the event; (C) facilitating, by at least one processor, the delivery of at least one parcel to the temporary attended delivery/pickup location; and (D) facilitating, by at least one processor, a shut-down of the attended delivery/pickup location at about the end time for the event. 